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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt McNulty/Jmp/Shutterstock 4448801h Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona, Barca speaks during the pre-match press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Manchester City v Barcelona, Britain – 23 Feb 2015 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Manchester City v Barcelona, Britain – 23 Feb 2015 EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xMattxMcNulty/Jmp/Shutterstockx 4448801h

via Imago
Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt McNulty/Jmp/Shutterstock 4448801h Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona, Barca speaks during the pre-match press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz Manchester City v Barcelona, Britain – 23 Feb 2015 EDITORIAL USE ONLY Manchester City v Barcelona, Britain – 23 Feb 2015 EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTXHUNxGRExMLTxCYPxROMxBULxUAExKSAxONLY Copyright: xMattxMcNulty/Jmp/Shutterstockx 4448801h
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid are two of the biggest clubs not just in Spain, but in the entire world. The accolades of both these clubs put other clubs to shame. But Barcelona’s legend, Gerard Pique, has come out with a surprising statement. He believes the Spanish Giants won’t be able to play in European competitions in the future.
It may be unexpected to hear Pique suggest such a notion, considering Real Madrid and Barcelona are prestigious clubs in European soccer. Madrid boasts an impressive record with 14 UEFA Champions League titles, while Barcelona has secured the trophy five times. However, the defender’s statement is not based solely on their on-field performance, but on compliance with the financial fair play rule.
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Gerard Pique believes Real Madrid and Barcelona cannot compete in European competitions
Financial Fair Play (FFP) has become a serious concern in modern soccer. It aims to ensure clubs operate within their means and prevent excessive spending. Keeping this in mind, Gerard Pique believes that Barcelona and Real Madrid’s extravagant spending in recent years could jeopardize their ability to compete in European competitions in the future.
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Notably, Barcelona and Real Madrid have made marquee signings worth hundreds of millions of euros. They have joined the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City in splashing the cash. While these clubs have also faced scrutiny for their spending, Pique argues that the FFP rules in La Liga are more stringent compared to other leagues.
“There is no regulation with FFP. Each league is regulated differently. La Liga is very strict, and with other leagues, it’s another system,” Gerard Pique recently stated. He emphasized his concerns by adding, “We are going to end up with Barça & Real Madrid not being able to compete in Europe in 5 years.”
🇪🇸💸 Gerard Piqué: "There is no regulation with FFP. Each league is regulated differently. La Liga is very strict, and with other leagues it's another system."
"We are going to end up with Barça & Real Madrid not being able to compete in Europe in 5 years." (@marca) pic.twitter.com/8j4Jn4capN
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) November 30, 2023
Although the 36-year-old undoubtedly hopes for his beloved Blaugrana to encounter this scenario, Los Blancos’ absence from European competitions would not trouble the Spanish soccer player. Gerard Pique’s lack of fondness for Madrid is widely recognized. And, he even expressed criticism regarding their 14th Champions League victory.
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Pique downplays Real Madrid’s historic 14th UCL win
Real Madrid made history in May 2022 by securing their 14th Champions League trophy after a victorious match against Liverpool. However, Gerard Pique argues that they were not the superior team.
In an interview, he expressed, “It’s clear that they(Real Madrid) weren’t better than any of their opponents in the last UCL they won. Incredible things: fighting a lot, epic comebacks. 5 minutes were enough to beat City.” Pique’s controversial statement is likely to provoke vehement reactions among avid Madridistas.
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Watch this story: “And F**k a Lot” – Shakira’s Ex Gerard Pique Gives His Advise to ‘Young People’
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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